Gadkari Urges Indian Auto Sector to Prioritise Safety; Reaffirms Belief in Hydrogen at Qualcomm Snapdragon for India Auto Day

The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2030. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce fossil fuel imports by Rs 1 lakh crore and decrease CO₂ emissions by 50 million tonnes each year. By focusing on indigenous, pollution-free fuels like green hydrogen, India aspires to position itself as a global leader in hydrogen technology and production.

To combat air pollution, India is focusing on alternative fuels such as biofuels, flex-fuels, and green hydrogen. Gadkari mentioned that 40% of urban air pollution is linked to transportation, and transitioning to these cleaner fuels can significantly reduce emissions. The government is also promoting projects to convert agricultural waste into biofuels, which aligns with their goal of achieving self-reliance in energy.

India is witnessing significant advancements in electric vehicle technology, particularly with the decreasing costs of lithium-ion batteries, making EVs more affordable. The government is promoting electric mobility, especially for public transport with electric buses and scooters. Additionally, there are plans to enhance EV infrastructure and support the development of electric tractors, which could save farmers substantial operating costs compared to diesel vehicles.

Flex-fuel technology is crucial for reducing India's dependence on fossil fuels. Vehicles designed to run on a mix of petrol and ethanol can help mitigate carbon emissions and lower fuel costs. Gadkari emphasized that adopting flex-fuel vehicles could significantly reduce the country's Rs 22 lakh crore spent annually on fossil fuel imports, contributing to a more sustainable and self-reliant energy landscape.

The Indian government is implementing various initiatives to enhance road safety, including identifying accident-prone areas and investing Rs 40,000 crore to rectify them. The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) aims to set safety ratings for vehicles, while the introduction of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is also being emphasized. Moreover, road safety education is being integrated into school curriculums to raise awareness among younger generations.